Central South

Introducing Central South

Derided by some as the ‘hole in the donut’, the four counties here in the heart of Ireland are a delight to anyone who understands that the donut hole can be the best part.

The four midland counties of Kildare, Carlow, Laois and Offaly combine lush rolling fields, tree-covered hills, expanses of wildlife-filled bog and a history rich in artefacts. From the grand estates of the landlord days, with their Georgian homes, to the ancient and beguiling Clonmacnoise, Ireland’s most magnificent monastic site, there’s much that will surprise and delight as you explore the little lanes of the region.

And those explorations may yield the region’s great pleasure: getting lost. Though you can’t ever get really lost, just temporarily uncertain of your location. And who cares? It’s hard to find a bad location and best of all, you can use it as an excuse to ask directions. Where else in the world will the way be so jovially explained like this: ‘Well you just go up the wee road there until you come to the big tree, not the one big tree mind you but the other big tree, the one where Brigit O’Neill a few years back had quite the time…’

You’ll want to record it. And the struggle of finding your way will get you ready for the many magnificent meals found in this centre of Ireland’s growing food movement. Those lush lands produce some wonderful delights that will make this hole in the donut the best tasting around.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009